Dealmakers of 2011

Dealmakers Impact Report 2011: Editor's Note

This issue marks Variety’s fourth annual Dealmakers Impact Report. Since we started the series in 2008 the industry, like the larger economy, has gone through a financial crisis followed by a tentative recovery.

Last year, the theme was cautious optimism and the slow return of investors to the entertainment business following a period of convulsive dealmaking that saw Comcast absorb NBCUniversal and Disney acquire Marvel.

This past year was calmer. Reflecting an increasingly global biz and the growth of the overseas box office, the emphasis now seems to be on on international deals and investments in emerging markets — especially China.

All this will be make for lively discussions at Variety’s Dealmakers Breakfast. Peter Chernin, founder of Chernin Entertainment and the Chernin Group, will engage in a keynote conversation with Variety editor in chief Tim Gray. In addition, Variety executive editor Steven Gaydos will moderate a dealmakers panel whose members will include: Gary Barber, co-chairman and CEO of MGM; Christopher Brearton, managing partner of the Century City office of O’Melveny & Myers; Stuart Ford, CEO of IM Global; and Andrew Walter, senior VP and head of entertainment, Houlihan Lokey.